Legaspi - The number of people fleeing a volcano in the Philippines exceeded 32,000 yesterday as the crater simmered a day after a series of massive blasts, officials said. Smoke rose from the crater of Mount Mayon as evacuees arrived at crowded schools beyond the 8 km danger zone.
No casualties were reported. Local officials say people are well-drilled and co-operative after enduring frequent eruptions. Up to 80,000 people were displaced in February 2000.